The Power of the Gospel
Can Triumph Over
Heredity
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb.
4:15,16
The gospel of God is "concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh." Rom.
1:3. Read the history of David, and of the kings who descended from him,
and who became the ancestors of Jesus, and you will see that on the human
side, the Lord was handicapped by his ancestry as badly as anybody can
ever be. Many of them were licentious and cruel idolaters. Although Jesus
was thus compassed with infirmity, he "did no sin, neither was guile
found in his mouth." 1 Pet. 2:22. This is to give courage to men in
the lowest condition of life. It is to show that the power of the gospel
of the grace of God can triumph over heredity.
As with Christ, so with us; it is through much tribulation that we
enter the kingdom. He who fears reproach, or who makes his lowly birth, or
his inherited traits, an excuse for his shortcomings, will fail of the
kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ went to the lowest depths of humiliation
in order that all who are in those depths might, if they would, ascend
with him to the utmost heights of exaltation.
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered hath
ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the
flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1, 2
Waggoner on Romans, pgs. 12, 13 |
